CNALMA Announces Nominations Are Open for the Position of Board Member

Written By CNALMA .

Cherokee Nation At-Large Mutual Assistance, Inc. (CNALMA) is formally announcing a Call for Nominations for the position of Board Member.  If you have an interest in being a member of a dynamic group of Cherokees who value a core cultural strength of “Cherokees helping Cherokees”, we encourage you to submit your interest, whether it be self-nominated or a sponsored nomination.

CNALMA was founded to address a critical gap in services for Cherokee citizens living outside the Cherokee Nation reservation.  Since beginning operations in 2023, CNALMA has experienced rapid growth in requests for assistance, increasing from an average of 7.6 requests per month in 2024 to nearly 40 requests per month in 2026.  CNALMA is the only 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization to address the needs of Cherokee citizens living off the reservation, practicing our values of Cherokees helping Cherokees in our Ga Du Gi way. 

Organization Overview

Cherokee Nation At-Large Mutual Assistance, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and compassionate assistance to Cherokee citizens living outside the Cherokee Nation reservation during times of hardship and need.  

The Board of Directors provides governance, strategic leadership, and fiduciary oversight to ensure the organization fulfills its mission and remains financially sustainable.

Position Summary                                                                                                                             

Board Members serve as ambassadors, advocates, and stewards of the organization. They are responsible for supporting the mission, ensuring strong governance, providing strategic direction, and overseeing the organization’s financial health and ethical integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Oversight

  • Attend and actively participate in board meetings and committee meetings.

  • Support and uphold the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

  • Participate in strategic planning and organizational policy development.

  • Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.

  • Hire, support, and evaluate the Executive Director/CEO (if applicable).

Financial Stewardship

  • Review and approve annual budgets, financial reports, and major expenditures.

  • Help ensure adequate financial resources for the organization.

  • Understand and monitor the organization’s financial condition and sustainability.

  • Participate in fundraising efforts and donor engagement as appropriate.

  • Participate in decisions regarding distribution awards to applicants.

Advocacy & Community Engagement

  • Serve as an ambassador for the organization within the community.

  • Build relationships that advance the organization’s mission and visibility.

  • Promote programs, services, and events.

Fundraising & Resource Development

  • Support fundraising campaigns and events.

  • Assist with identifying prospective donors, sponsors, and community partners.

Board Development

  • Participate in board recruitment, orientation, and ongoing development.

  • Serve on committees or task forces as needed.

  • Contribute expertise, skills, and professional networks.

Qualifications

  • Commitment to the mission and goals of the organization.

  • Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with diverse stakeholders.

  • Leadership, professional expertise, or community experience relevant to the organization’s work.

  • Strong ethical standards and sound judgment.

  • Willingness to dedicate time and resources to board service.

  • Cherokee citizens residing off the Cherokee Nation reservation.

Time Commitment

  • Attend approximately four board meetings annually, and monthly update calls.

  • Participate in committee meetings and organizational events.

  • Estimated commitment: 15 hours per month.

Term of Service

  • Board Members serve a three-year term, renewable upon approval in accordance with the bylaws.

Compensation

  • Board Members serve voluntarily and are not compensated for their service. Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with organizational policy.

Expectations of Board Members

  • Board Members are expected to:

    • Maintain confidentiality regarding board discussions and organizational matters.

    • Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts promptly.

    • Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials in advance.

    • Act in the best interests of the organization at all times.

Reporting Relationship

Board Members report collectively to the Board Chair and work collaboratively with the Executive Director/CEO and fellow board members.

If interested, please submit a letter describing your interest in working with At-Large Cherokees, a resume, and contact information from three personal references to info@cnalma.org.

Additional questions may also be directed to info@cnalma.org.

Wado!

CNALMA .